Pocomoke on Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore evolved from a green and tranquil land with mild climate, productive soil, and abundant natural resources into a town on the National Register of Historic Places. Pocomoke is minutes from the Ocean City beach resort, the Assateague National Seashore Wildlife Refuge with its wild ponies, and Wallops Island, home of the National Aeronautic and Space Administration, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Much of this volume describes the Pocomoke River, and shipbuilding, the town’s leading industry for thirty years. Featured are Skipjacks (oyster boats), majestic sailboats built in Tull’s shipyard, and the new Discovery Center with a simulated steamboat similar to boats used for trips to Baltimore in 1869. The volume portrays Pocomoke’s African-American heritage, and influential Black citizens. Carol Johnsen selected author, Pat Stille Martin, Professional Counselor, to help her revitalize Pocomoke City. Through eighty-year-old skylights and limestone, Carol and Pat, looked to the past to add fresh insight and perspectives to the traditions, culture, and events of Pocomoke City. Carol and Pat hope that this nostalgic history will inspire residents to participate in the revitalization of their town and allow visitors to experience the local arts, events, and traditions of Pocomoke, complete with directions to a great meal of local foods with the special character and hospitality of the region.

Martin researched museums and libraries from Connecticut to Florida combining memories of Pocomoke visitors and citizens to recreate the early days of a thriving seaport and shipbuilding community on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Not until Martin’s research did I appreciate all that went into revitalizing the charming and commercially successful seaport into a delightful historic town.